MELAKA: The state Umno chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh is among 10 executive councillors named in the new administration of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

       The newly-elected Tanjung Bidara assemblyman will head the industrial, investment and entrepreneur development committee.

       In an immediate response, Ab Rauf who is also the state Barisan Nasional chief, pledged to work with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Mohd Ali in bringing development to the state.

       “Of course, he (Sulaiman) is my boss. When it comes to the administration of the state government, I will obey his decisions. But Sulaiman has to listen to me on matters concerning the party,” he told reporters after being sworn in yesterday.

       There was speculation earlier that Ab Rauf had been eyeing the CM’s post.

       Sulaiman, in his speech, invited Opposition assemblymen to work with him to ensure stability and economic growth for Melaka.

       “I hope all my exco members will work with me and place the people’s interest above everything else,” he added.

       Also included in the exco are the MCA’s Machap assemblyman Ngwe Hee Sem who chairs the unity, community relationship, human resource and consumer affairs committee; and MIC’s Gadek assemblyman VP Shanmugan who will oversee youth, sports and non-governmental affairs.

       Except for two members who were part of the Perikatan Nasional/Barisan-led state government, the other exco members are new faces.

       Former Melaka health and anti-drug committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman now oversees the works, transport, public infrastructure and flood mitigation portfolio; while Rembia assemblyman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis was retained as chairman of the tourism, heritage and cultural committee.

       Merlimau assemblyman Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has taken over Rahmad’s previous portfolio, while Pengkalan Batu assemblyman Datuk Kalsom Noordin is the women affairs, family development and welfare committee chairman.

       Serkam assemblyman Datuk Zaidi Attan has been handed the responsibility of heading the housing, local government and environment committee; Telok Mas assemblyman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman will chair the rural development, agriculture and agro-based committee; while Datuk Rais Yasin is the education and technology committee chairman.

       All new executive councillors were sworn-in before Yang-di Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam at 2.30pm yesterday.

       In the Melaka state election held on Nov 20, Barisan won 21 of the 28 seats contested, with Pakatan Harapan winning five and Perikatan taking two.

       MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, in a Facebook post, extended his well wishes to the new exco team, describing it as a good combination of old and new faces.

       He expressed confidence in Ngwe’s ability to carry out his duties with dedication and in the best interest of the people of Melaka.

       Dr Wee also extended his gratitude to the other victorious MCA assemblyman in the Melaka polls, Melaka MCA chief Datuk Lim Ban Hong, who clinched the Kelebang seat.

       He said Lim will continue as the Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister.

       “Although he is not in the Melaka exco, I am sure he will be able to give his best to his constituents and the people of Melaka,” he added.